By Eze Adiuku, Awka
The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has organized a stakeholders’ dialogue on inclusive electoral processes for participants from Anambra and Imo states, as part of efforts to address barriers limiting women’s participation in governance.
The meeting, which took place in Awka, Anambra State recently, brought together leaders from traditional institutions, civil society organizations, academia, the media and political class to brainstorm on challenges inhibiting women from taking part adequately in electoral governance processes.
Executive Director of SIDEC, Mrs. Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, said the organization had earlier carried out advocacy visits in both states, noting that individuals and groups consulted expressed support for the proposed Special Seats Bill for women.
She described the dialogue as timely, especially as local government elections are expected to hold soon in Anambra State, while lamenting the poor representation of women in governance.
Mrs. Agalaba-Ehiahuruike pointed out that there is currently no female legislator in the Imo State House of Assembly, but commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for appointing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into top civil service positions as Permanent Secretaries.
In his contribution, Prof. Uche Collins Nwaogwugwu, Director of the Institute of Social Policy and Strategic Development at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, expressed concern that Nigeria is experiencing governance challenges, warning that citizens may only take decisive action when the system deteriorates further.
Also speaking, Prof. Ogugua Victoria Ikpeze of the Council of Legal Education encouraged women to actively participate in societal development and make their impact felt. She emphasized the importance of education, urging women to focus on building their capacity and self-reliance.
Traditional ruler of Ideani in Anambra State,HRM Igwe Steven Ezeji, stated that there is no cultural barrier preventing women from attaining leadership positions in electoral governance.
He observed that the growing involvement of women in public affairs indicates readiness for greater responsibilities and pledged his support for their aspirations.
However, the monarch expressed concern about the position and intentions of the National Assembly regarding the Special Seats Bill.
Representing the media, the Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the South East, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku JP, stressed the need to examine the structure of politics in the country.
He noted that politics is often treated as a business venture by political actors, leading to the use of any means necessary to secure victory, a situation that makes it difficult for women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to fit into the political system.
Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Anambra State, Barr. Amaka Muoneke, called for support for the Special Seats Bill, stating that its passage would provide women with stronger representation and a greater voice in governance.
She added that women are best positioned to understand and articulate issues affecting them.
